The Flemish government is turning to the blockchain to put into place new management plans for nature and forest areas.

Using the Blockchain for Smoother Forest Processes

The Belgium Agency for Nature and Forests is hoping that the technology can deliver an efficient management system in forest work.

Typically, the blockchain is used within the finance industry. However, more organizations are now turning to it. From education, healthcare, and supply chain, the technology is demonstrating its potential. As a result, it’s now being used within forest management.

Marleen Evenepoel, CEO of the Agency for Nature and Forests, is of the opinion that it can be useful for management plans. In a report from De Tijd, she said:

At the end of last year the regulations for nature management were renewed. Previously, only the government and a number of recognized organizations could draw up a management plan for a nature reserve or forest. Now all individuals, associations or companies can do that. They have to meet certain conditions and follow the standard processes, for example for applying for subsidies. These processes easily take a few months and are sometimes very complex.

In order to deliver an efficient process, the agency is looking to the blockchain. Subsequently, this autumn, it is launching a new platform that uses the technology. According to the report, those involved can draw up their management plans and receive subsidies in a timely manner. Barbara Van Den Haute, administrator-general at the Flanders Information Agency, states:

Everyone has their own map of the area for which the management plan is drawn up and that can lead to discussions. With this tool we help the problem out of the world. There is a card that can not be questioned. There is now a framework for everyone who wants to draw up such a management plan.

Through this method, it’s hoped that it will provide a much more efficient process that will improve the agency’s services.

Blockchain Use Cases

The technology is now being used in a variety of industries, and understandably so.

Shanghai-based startup VeChain announced in May that it was using the blockchain to verify red wine. By doing so, it aims to bring back trust to the Chinese market.

Additionally, Shenzhen-based Tencent, who owns the popular messaging-social-media-and-payments app WeChat, is using the technology to fight fake invoices. It also aims to prevent businesses from taking advantage of tax loopholes.

Not only that, but Belgium donated €2 million in April to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support its projects, including its blockchain solutions to fight hunger around the world.

How important do you think the blockchain is at improving services? Do you think it’s the answer to everything? Let us know in the comments below.